Affordable Housing in Distressed Communities

Sept. 18, 2015

To the Editor:

“The Architecture of Segregation” (editorial, Sept. 6) rightly argues that housing policy must do more to ensure that affordable housing doesn’t end up only in segregated, distressed communities. Building more affordable housing in neighborhoods with greater access to good schools, jobs, transit and health care is part of the solution. Another part is continuing to invest in communities in need of revitalization.

Distressed communities did not become that way overnight, nor will they be turned around quickly. These communities and their residents need sustained investment in those building blocks of opportunity, starting with affordable housing, which often serves as a catalyst for further investment.

There are multiple reasons affordable housing is where it is, including land and development costs and strong community opposition in higher income neighborhoods. America can’t wait to build needed affordable housing, especially while millions of struggling families languish on waiting lists.

The real question is this: Is America willing to make the long-term investments necessary to make every community one of opportunity? Because we can, with the will to make it so.